Alaska Native Corporation Seizes Historic Opportunity to Help Elect The First Alaska Native Woman to represent Alaska in Congress

The Ahtna, Incorporated (Ahtna) Board of Directors voted to endorse Tara Katuk Sweeney’s candidacy in the special election for Alaska’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ahtna rarely endorses candidates, but Tara Sweeney is rare.

“Political endorsement is a unique choice for Ahtna and our Board and not one we take lightly. As we celebrate fifty years of Ahtna and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, it is long overdue to have an Alaska Native represent Alaska,” said Ahtna Board Chairman Ken Johns. “Tara Sweeney is the most experienced and qualified candidate in a field of nearly fifty people. She was born and raised in rural Alaska, raised her family here and understands the challenges and what’s important to our people.”

Sweeney has served Alaska internationally as chair of the multi-national Arctic Economic Council. She was also the first Alaska Native Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior, co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), and special assistant for Rural Affairs and Education during Gov. Murkowski’s administration. Sweeney, a Republican, was also co-chair of the late Congressman Don Young’s campaign.

“Tara Sweeney will be an advocate for jobs and economic development as well as our customary and traditional needs and protection of our lands,” said Ahtna President Michelle Anderson. “For us the choice is clear. We need someone in the U.S. House seat that knows Alaska and has experience working issues and delivering results. Tara Sweeney understands Alaska and will get things done.”

One candidate stands head-over-shoulders among the rest of the field. Tara Sweeney is the best choice for Ahtna and Alaska. We hope you will join Ahtna’s Board and vote Sweeney for United States Congress.

The special election to fill the remainder of Congressman Young’s term begins with a by-mail open primary, with ballots due or postmarked by June 11. The top four vote getters will advance to a special ranked-choice general election on August 16.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR GET OUT THE NATIVE VOTE

Get Out The Native Vote (GOTNV) is a non-partisan effort in Alaska to mobilize Alaska Native and American Indian voters. Shareholders can email AhtnaGOTNV@ahtna.net to volunteer or request more information.